Genital herpes is also called as herpes, generally. It is caused by a viral infection by the virus named Herpes Simplex Virus. There are many varieties of this virus but those which cause genital herpes is the type 2 of HSV. It is transmitted from one person to another generally through sexual contact. Being intimate with an infected person is the main reason for transmission of this virus. Transmission takes place generally through the mucous covered linings of inner mouth and of vagina. It enters into the skin through microscopic tears present there. Once it is entered, it will surely travel through nerval roots near spinal cord, where they stay permanently. During an outbreak, the infected person experiences a travel down of virus through nerve fibres to the site of onsite of the infection. It causes common herpes symptoms like blisters, sores and fever blisters. Once an infected person get his first herpes outbreak, subsequent outbreaks are also experienced. It can be weeks or years later to the first outbreak. Hope my answer helps. Take care.